CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Community Coalition held a special panel Wednesday with community leaders across Champaign and Urbana.

The discussion focused on possible solutions to combat community violence and traumatic incidents. In particular, they discussed the reasons behind the increase in community violence and tried to develop a dialogue for how to deal with those challenges.

Community Coalition Facilitator Tracy Parsons said it’s important for people to come together to solve issues.

“It’s actually time, right … time for action,” Parsons said. “It’s time for us to get out of our silos. Get out of our turf wars. All right, look at my program. This really is about a community coming together to address our community’s most difficult issues.”

Speakers at the event included Champaign and Urbana Police Chiefs Timothy Tyler and Larry Boone.